The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the primary voice for people who use cooperative businesses to build a better world and a more inclusive economy. NCBA CLUSA provides cross-sector education, technical assistance, and advocacy that helps co-ops thrive. For over 100 years, NCBA CLUSA has sought to advance and protect cooperative enterprises, highlighting the impact that cooperatives have in bettering the lives of individuals and families. In the last 60 years, NCBA CLUSA has worked in over 85 countries in the areas of food security, agricultural development, strengthening of communities and farmer organizations, community-based health, natural resources management, and empowerment of smallholder farmers, women, and youth. We currently work in in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

NCBA CLUSA’s USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program sends American farmers and agribusiness professionals on 2-4 week agricultural development assignments, promoting sustainable growth and agricultural development worldwide.  Volunteer technical assistance from U.S. farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives and universities helps smallholder farmers in developing countries improve productivity, access new markets and conserve environmental and natural resources.  During COVID-19 we have shifted to a hybrid volunteer model that affords US volunteers and in-country volunteers the opportunity to continue to provide technical assistance.   Compensation in the form of lodging, transportation, per diem, is provided by NCBA CLUSA.  No salary/consultant fees are paid. For more information visit NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer.

NCBA CLUSA is currently seeking qualified Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer candidates (either 1- US volunteer willing to travel or 2 volunteers for a hybrid assignment- 1 remote US volunteer and 1- volunteer based in Ecuador) for the position of Coffee Waste Recycler to support (Asociación Agroartesanal de Productores Ecológicos de Café Especial del Cantón Loja- APECAEL)  based in (Loja, Ecuador).

Job Description: APECAEL is an ecological grower's organization that produces organic arabica coffee using a humid process. They offer roasted and ground coffee, organic fertilizers, and training on organic production.  Currently, they need to receive training on the reuse of organic waste from coffee processing. Their process consists of receiving coffee cherries, depulping, mucilage remotion, washing, classification, and drying. The waste from processing accounts for 50% of their total product.   In environmental terms, if these by-products are not re-purposed, they can end up in water sources, generating pollution problems.

There are many options to reuse the coffee by-products; produce biofertilizers with the pulp and honey water from coffee processing; elaborate syrup, coffee husk tea, and flour, etc.  APECAEL needs assistance determining which method is best for their operations.

Duration: 2 weeks, March- May 2022       

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Analyze the current organic waste use of the association and provide constructive feedback about improvement opportunities.
• Based on the analysis, provide training on alternative uses of organic waste in coffee processing.
• Provide training on strategies for processing coffee by-products and its application in agriculture and/or agri-industry.
• Teach participants  how to obtain economic benefits through the processing and sale of by-products from coffee processing.

• Broad experience in alternative uses of organic waste in coffee processing.
• Knowledge in agroecology and organic agriculture.
• Degree in Agriculture or Environmental Science.
• Good communication skills.
• Background in the coffee value chain is a plus but not mandatory.
• Available for virtual communications with Host Organization, Staff and Co-volunteer
• US candidate must be legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Advanced English language skills; reading, writing, speaking.

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

NCBA CLUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, and legally protected characteristics for non-merit factors.